Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts 'Kids On Us' to pamper children throughout summer

From now until 30 September, 2009, "Kids On Us" offers great savings for families including extra bed in the parents' room for up to two children at no additional cost and complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner from the resort's children's menu. Various recreational facilities such as full use of the adventure zone, trapeze, jet-skiing, horseback-riding and nature trail walking can also be enjoyed at no charge. The Shangri-La resorts participating in the "Kids On Us" offer include: Rasa Sentosa Resort in Singapore; Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa and Golden Sands Resort in Penang; Shangri-La's Rasa Ria ResortTanjung Aru Resort and Spa in Kota Kinabalu; Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa in Cebu; and Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa.

Complimentary stay at Singapore’s Raffles Hotel

Passengers flying to Singapore from London, Tokyo, Sydney and Paris in the Singapore Airlines Suites can look forward to a complimentary one-night stay at Singapore's historic Raffles Hotel. A variety of suites at the hotel, valued at £770.00 per night, have specially been reserved for this exclusive promotion. Travellers will be offered the chance to travel in a chauffer driven limousine to the hotel's doorstep, with a delicious buffet breakfast at the Tiffin Room also included.

Full article: www.travelbite.co.uk

Two Sen a Night in Kuala Lumpur

Rooms are offered for as low as two sen a night - (that's bloody cheap!) at Tune Hotels.com (AirAsia affiliate) in Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Kuala Lumpur and the KLIA-LCCT Airport. The promotional rates are for stays between Feb 1 and April 30 next year for bookings made between now and May 18.

"The promotion is to extend our appreciation to guests for supporting the Tune Hotels.com brand since it was launched in Kuala Lumpur two years ago," CEO Mark Lankester said in a statement yesterday.

He also added that Tune Hotels.com would be expanding domestically to Johor Baru, Langkawi, Miri and Sandakan; and regionally via franchising and joint venture partnerships to Indonesia, India and China.

"Two regional properties will be opening in the fourth quarter of this year in Kuta and Legian in Bali, Indonesia, with 139 and 170 rooms respectively," Lankester said.

For more information, visit www.tunehotels.com

Temple Tree, Bon Ton Hotel, Langkawi

A resort of many cultures. An eclectic mix of heritage chic.

... Travel Asia Info's featured resort ...

Antique buildings of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian origin, make up this 8 villa hotel. Under phase 1, 8 rooms & 6 suites are now open. For Malaysia this is a new concept of hotel where the villas can be rented as one, or as individual hotel rooms. Each building has, over its 70-110 yr old history, created its own heart and soul. Hopefully we have given due respect to each of these family homes with the restoration process. These houses are now the continuing story of people who live in them, our guests.


Image source: www.templetree.com.my

The project was conceptualized by the owner to be able to extend her other passion project, Langkawi Animal Shelter and Sanctuary Foundation (LASSie). A percentage of all profits go direct to LASSie, for the foundation to be able to continue its work on the island with stray animals.

Straits Club House
This house originally called "Bahagia" was from York Road in Penang. Built in 1920s by a Eurasian family, it was then sold to a Malay family in the 1960s. It resembles an old colonial building with verandahs and beautiful carvings on the high end of the walls to let the air flow through.


Image source: www.templetree.com.my

It now houses the resort reception, restaurant, bar, library and pool table. The wide verandahs are perfect for reading a book or having a late lunch. The servants quarters at the back have been converted into the restaurant kitchen.

Chinese House
Viewed from the 110 ft pool, this house is magnificent. Built by a Chinese family in Batu Pahat, Johor and located close to Singapore, this house has been relocated from the furthest distance. This was originally a farmhouse and built approximately 100 yrs ago. Some of the design is thought to have Taiwanese influence. Upstairs is one suite and downstairs is another. Both have large verandahs on 3 sides and wonderful views of the mountains.


Image source: www.templetree.com.my

The decoration of both is very opulent and in Chinese colours of red and black which contrasts with the simple wood walls. Chinese 1, downstairs, has its own bar room, plus movie projection room. Chinese 2, upstairs, has a private Mahjong room and Chinese library.

Penang House
Originally situated next to busy Guerney drive in Penang. This house was built in the early 1930s by a Chinese contractor and was very typical of its time. The original exterior colour has been kept as with the two entrances. The front section is now one suite with one bedroom, living room and separate TV room, bathroom and additional bath/ massage room. The back suite has a living room, bedroom, separate dressing room and bathroom.


Image source: www.templetree.com.my

The interiors are painted white with turquoise shutters and touches of raspberry & lime green. This house is perfect for a family, as the 2 suites connect with double doors, yet both have separate entrances & living spaces.

Black & White House
This beautiful Malay House was built in the '40s in Mantin in the state of Negri Sembilan, south of Kuala Lumpur. It's a complete house with a living / dining area, and a great outdoor porch, perfect for writing that book. A huge bedroom with wooden bathtub, separate bathroom and adjoining mini gym.


Image source: www.templetree.com.my

The coloured glass windows in the living room really make this house very special when contrasted with its original black and white colour scheme.

Colonial House
This very large stately house came from Georgetown , Penang. Built by Arabs in the '20s who were goldsmith traders. They would have been rich and had a western style which shows with the architectural touches such as the cornices, floor tiles and fishscale design canopy over the porch. It is now the ultimate party house for five sets of friends or a large family. A huge living space with bar, dining table for 10 and lots of lounge spaces, combined with two bedrooms downstairs and three upstairs, making it a perfect space for a private venue.


Image source: www.templetree.com.my

The two downstairs bedrooms both have separate entrances and outdoor private gardens with wooden tubs and sunloungers. Upstairs Colonial 3 is a large space with bedroom and living space as one and a separate bath hall with two wooden baths. Colonial 4, also upstairs at the front, is the showpiece of the villa, with separate living space, a family bath hall and 2 separate bedrooms both with ensuites.

Estate
Originally situated 25 minutes from Ipoh in Pasah Puteh, which would have placed it half way between Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Built in 1940s this building was a long house for Indian workers on a rubber estate. The style is very typical of Estate workers housing throughout Malaysia. It has converted superbly into 5 hotel rooms. All have terracotta-tiled floors, bedroom/ living space and separate bathrooms, with a verandah at the front. The all white painted interiors contrast with the thick wooden beams of the roof. Each room is totally different in furniture, antiques and decoration.


Image source: www.templetree.com.my

Estate 1,2, 3 all have showers & wooden bathtubs. Estate 4 & 5, shower only.


Pools



Rates & Contact


Website : www.templetree.com.my

Sipadan Island Nominated as World Heritage Site

Sipadan, the nominee for the World's New Seven Wonders of Nature, is now officially eligible to be considered for nomination as a Unesco World Heritage site. This Island is famous for its abundance of turtles, schooling barracudas, white tip reef sharks, bumphead parrotfish and its teeming reef.

Judged by a scientific panel, the island, alongside other world-renowned diving destinations: Raja Ampat, Banda islands and Bunaken National Park in Indonesia, the Tubbatha and Apo Reefs in the Philippines and hundreds of other islands in the world.

Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin, who is the head of a special panel, submitted an entry about a week ago which includes quotes and endorsements from marine explorer and pioneer Jacques Cousteau, Professional Association of Diving Instructors president Drew Richardson, and other international marine and conservation-related bodies.

"We think we stand a good chance of being listed, thanks to the unique biodiversity of the island. The recognition of being a World Heritage Site will bring a host of benefits to the island, most noticeably in the area of conservation." said Datuk Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin.

Accor to open hotels in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia

Asia-Pacific's largest hotel chain - 374 hotels in 16 countries - is planning to open 80 new properties in 2009 and 2010 and last week announced deals in Thailand which will lead to 11 new properties. Accor signed an agreement with Thai real estate and textile company Fico to open three hotels in Bangkok (under Novotel and M-Gallery brands) and one in Samui (Mercure) by 2011. Seven other hotels (with Ibis, Novotel, All Seasons and Mercure brands) will open in Bangkok, Samui and Phuket.

"It is a challenging year all over the world for the tourism industry but although Asia-Pacific is of course affected, there we still see potential for growth in the region. Thailand continues to benefit from a positive image among travellers. Stability has returned to the country and the current economic downturn is no worse than in other competing destinations," says Michael Issenberg, Chairman and CEO of Accor Asia Pacific.

According to Issenberg, properties in Indonesia are the best-performing in Asia at present, due to a relatively sound economy and strong domestic and regional demand. Accor is Indonesia's biggest chain with 40 properties, and it has plans to add another 13 hotels by 2010. Vietnam tourism is currently weak, says Issenberg. Nonetheless, Accor will open 10 hotels in Vietnam, with brands ranging from Sofitel to Ibis, and it plans to return to Cambodia this year, opening a Sofitel in Phnom Penh. In addition, Accor Asia Pacific is actively looking for more business opportunities in Malaysia and the Philippines which are both under-represented in Accor's hotels portfolio, says Issenberg.

Source: hospitalitybizindia.com

Accorhotels.com home page

The world's only orang-utan hospital

Situated in the heart of the Malaysian jungle, the Infant Care Unit at Bukit Merah Lake Town Resort - dubbed Orang-Utan Island - is a very special hospital. All of its patients are from the endangered Borneo species of orang-utans, the Pongo Pygmaeus. Without the facility, built in 2004, the species would probably be extinct.

Many of the 23 baby orangutans treated here were rejected or abused by their mothers. Without milk, they develop severe malnutrition. In hospital, they are cared for just like human babies. Every two hours the patients are bottle fed, and their vital signs are monitored - including blood pressure, blood oxygen content and pulse.

Full story >

Singapore's Orchard Road Rejuvenated

Singapore's standing as one of Asia's most popular cities for shopping, dining and entertainment has been reaffirmed with the completion of its S$40 million (£18 million) Orchard Road rejuvenation programme. Commenced in April 2008, the revitalisation scheme encompasses the installation of atmospheric street up-lighting, urban furniture and outdoor 'green rooms' for street events.

This rejuvenation programme is part of Singapore's long-term urban renewal plan where Orchard Road is being transformed into one of the world's most spectacular boulevards with S$1.6 billion (£.7 billion) invested by the city's private and public sectors.

Gleaming new facades of existing shopping malls house a variety of local and international brands and is just the beginning of this exciting new look. New retail space offering cutting edge shopping concepts will be added with the opening of three new malls in 2009, namely ION Orchard, Somerset Central and Orchard Central including a 218-metre tall skyscraper with a 360-degree public observation deck. Ambient illumination lights up sleek new glass panels each etched with themes of fruit, flowers and the forest or the history of Orchard Road itself. Floral totems have been installed and new public spaces have been created in the form of 'green rooms' - impromptu open-air stages for urban events.

More >

Aman Resort opens in Delhi April 09

According to a report in the Business World, the only Aman Resort in a metropolis is due to open in Delhi in April 2009. Aman Delhi will have 67 rooms, the most ever for the Group that has preferred not to build more than 40 on an average. Aman's founder-chief Adrian Zecha, the 65-year-old Dutch national had let DLF acquire controlling stake in Aman's portfolio of 20 resorts worldwide in an expansion-driven Rs 2,000-crore deal in November 2007.

Aman Delhi, its opening delayed by four months, is placed on the edge of the Lutyen's Delhi, where the old Lodhi Hotel once stood. Tariff typically ranges from Rs 27,500-Rs 1,10,000 plus taxes per night. Coincidentally, Aman Resorts, listed No. 1 among top international hotels, resorts and spas by the 2008 Zagat Survey, completes two decades this year.


Source : travelbizmonitor.com

Backpackers Escape Malaysian Jungle with Ray Mears advice

(lt-rt) Rory Maddocks Rachel Hodson and Chiara Maddocks relaxing after being rescued
Photo: BARCROFT

Three British backpackers who were lost for two days in a Malaysian jungle escaped after following the advice of Ray Mears, the television adventurer.

Chiara Maddocks, her brother Rory, and their friend Rachel Hodson, 24, lost their way in dense forests around the Seven Wells Waterfall on the Langkawi archipelago.

After trekking for six hours in flip-flops, without drinking water or food, they slept in a huddle amid wildcats, poisonous insects and lashing rain when night came. "We were all cut up and bleeding from scrambling over rocks," Ms Maddocks, 24, from east London, said. "We hadn't told anyone we were going on the trail, so no one was searching for us."

When they woke the next morning, they feared they might not survive the jungle's dangerous wildlife and intense heat long enough to find their way out. However, Mr Maddocks, 20, a student at Nottingham University, remembered an instruction given by Mears on his programme Extreme Survival to find a river and follow it downstream.

At one point the group thought they saw an opening in the stream they were following.

Mr Maddocks said: "I was overjoyed, running with my arms in the air ... screaming 'We've made it, We've made it'. But we got there and it was just a sheer drop off the cliff. "I really had to fight back the tears. I was thinking: 'we're never going to get out of this.'

The group staggered on for eight more hours. "Both the girls were in tears and Chiara had these huge weeping cuts that were full of leeches," Mr Maddocks said. "She was crying 'We're going to die here'."

The stream eventually led to a 50-foot waterfall, with impassable rocks on each side. Ms Maddocks said: "The only option was to scramble down the edge. It was terrifying, we'd lost most of our clothes by then, so there was no protection from the jagged rocks."

Having reached the secluded beach below, the exhausted group thought they saw the masts of boats in the distance and swam out into the Andaman Sea. After swimming for forty minutes, Ms Maddocks could not go on and clung to a rock while the other two continued. Six hours later, after night fell for a second time, Ms Maddocks was spotted by a passing fishing boat. She and its crew began searching for the other two swimmers.

They found Ms Hodson hanging on to another rock around the headland, and Mr Maddocks passed out on a rock some distance away. All three are now safely back in Britain, having finished individual travelling trips. They said their ordeal had brought them closer together. "Being in such a petrifying situation bonded us," said Ms Hodson, 24, from Surrey. "That trip will be ingrained on my memory forever. We're all very grateful to be alive."

Mr Maddocks said: "I'll never miss an episode of Ray Mears from now. You never know when you might need it".

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

Ray Mears Audio Book


Real Heroes of Telemark


Find all Ray Mears Books on AbeBooks.co.uk

China, India Holiday Tours by Cosmos Tourama

Find special offers and low prices on tours for Asia destinations. Book online now and save. Follow this link

Cosmos Tourama is pleased to be able to offer an exclusive discount. When you book any holiday online, you can save up to 10% on our great range of tours, cruises and holidays. We also offer exclusive web only holidays, that you won't find in any of our brochures.

Cheap Airfare? International Airfare Discounts?

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Features:

• 3D Seatmap
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Vayama.com – Compare 100's of international airfares on one web site.

Passenger Trip Reports of 5-Star Ranked Airlines

Here are the 6 featured 5-star ranked airlines accompanied by 3 randomly selected reports/reviews. The 5-star ranking is assessed by SKYTRAX after detailed Product and Service standards analysis for each featured airline.

Asiana Airlines

Passenger trip reports:

1. Incredible service and experience for economy. Flight was 75% full. Had aisle seat with seat next to me empty. B747 was very clean and spacious. The backseat monitor for economy was the largest I've seen. Food service was great and they gave menus to choose Korean or western. FA frequently went around cabin before, during and after meal service. Hot mini towels right after take-off. Overall, the best experience I've had in recent memory - will definitely attempt to get on Asiana for all cross pacific trips!
   
   
2. The configuration of 2-2-2 was very pleasant and allowed for ease in accessing the aisle. AVOD entertained my family for the 2hr 25 minute flight with a wide variety of choices. The meal service was outstanding - a choice of Korean or Western, and the Bibimbap presentation, quality, and quantity was wonderful. The meal was tasty and very filling. After the meal, we were also offered desert on top of the fruit provided with the meal. Drinks/ water were constantly replenished and my daughter was offered the Western choice as well as the Korean choice, since she is a finicky eater. Service was outstanding as always. Asiana is truly a 5 Star Airline. The service does not compare with its local rival, Korean Air.
   
   
3. Asiana was very accomodating especially as we had to reroute our return trip from Bangkok to Phuket due to the problems in Bangkok while we were there. Service in economy was as good as Business on US Airlines. Seats were comfortable, food was good, overall the best flying experience I've ever had.

(more...)


Kingfisher Airlines

Passenger trip reports:

1. I was amazed at the comfort, hospitality, service and food on my flight from Heathrow to Bangalore. The ten hour flight just flew by in my comfortable seat with seat back entertainment. 5 star flying experience!
   
   
2. Calcutta - Bagdogra return. Excellent service from Kingfisher on this very short, 70 minute flight. Great cabin crew, a choice of hot meals, excellent check in staff. Really, nothing could be improved. A great product, and a model for other airlines.
   
   
3. Kingfisher Airlines is reinventing itself in delightful ways with new trays and extra portions of food and red cloth napkins. Cabin experience superlative. Very warm service, superior lounge experience and highly recommended seats and IFE. Kingfisher is truly five star!

(more...)


Qatar Airways

Passenger trip reports:

1. Just returned from Cebu with Qatar. Once again a 5 star service. Aircraft clean and appeared in good condition. Flight crew polite and very attentive. Food and drink good and more than you could eat. Flights on time or arrived early. Only criticism was the chaos in Doha when landing from Cebu.
   
   
2. First time with this airline. Awesome service, punctuality, hospitality and decent quantities of food throughout all flights. Staff smiling and patient. Good seats, clean aircraft and great on-demand in-flight entertainment system (except on DAC-DOH leg which had a shared overhead in-flight screen). I think Doha airport is great for easy transfers and for these reasons will fly with them again.
   
   
3. I have always flown Qatar business class (16 times) and rate them as one of the best airlines. I recently flew them economy for the first time - superb, all 4 legs were on new aircraft, meals superb, very generous with wine and beverages, friendly crew, great IFE. Because I have a gold frequent flyer card me and 2 friends were able to use all the lounges on route including the Virgin clubhouse at LHR - we only had 40 minutes between flights in DOH and it could not have been simpler.

(more...)


Cathay Pacific

Passenger trip reports:

1. LHR-HKG-ADL in Business class. I was a bit concerned about the new seats as there have been so many bad reviews. They are great! It's the only flight I have managed to sleep more than half way! They are comfortable and spacious. TV screens are the biggest I have seen on a flight. I think it's a bonus that you cannot see other passengers and you feel isolated - makes it a bit more personal. You can see out the window if you try hard enough but the comfort of the seat makes up for that! If you want to travel in peace and quiet and extreme comfort this is the ticket!
   
   
2. LHR HKG business in the upper deck. I think the new flatbed business are fine as I prefer better quality sleep in return for loss of some elbow room. Cabin crew were normal ie. friendly, decent service. Meals good without being exceptional. AVOD screen in the new business class is nice and large to the point where it is possible to notice lack of resolution on films or TV. Selection of films and TV shows is excellent.
   
   
3. JFK-HKG First Class on 777-300ER on Nov 27th. A truly outstanding experience in every way especially on board the 15 and half hour non-stop flight. Check in was fast and efficient as was security but it was Thanksgiving in the US and very quiet as a consequence. Cathay use BA Lounge in JFK - again the First Class Lounge was closed due to the holiday but had access to the Business Terraces Lounge which was v spacious and empty! Good facilities - not very welcoming staff - lots of computers but slow and v poor selection of food -ie packets of potato chips and cookies and fruit plus some sandwiches. Boarding a breeze and the staff could not do enough from beginning to end to look after you and indeed anticipate your needs. Only 2 of us in the cabin and my first time in CX First on the 777 and for me it was better than the 747 - felt much more private especially sitting in the A row. Suite comfortable in all positions and for someone who is 6'3" great to have a bed that I really do fit in easily. Great IFE with excellent selection and v good picture and sound. Food was outstanding in both quality and presentation and great to be able to eat what and when you wanted. An outstanding product in all regards and I only wish that BA and AA and even Qantas would try and match their Oneworld Alliance Partner.

(more...)


Malaysia Airlines

Passenger trip reports:

1. Heathrow to KL, KL-Bali return. My husband had to use a wheelchair and MAS were fantastic. The FA's made sure one was waiting for us at each leg of our journey and we were whisked through passport and Visa (Bali) control. FA's were very nice always happy to help. They even made sure we had a row of 4 for just the 2 of us so my husband had more room. Food was nice and drinks always available. Legroom was very good. What made the journey go quicker was the very good IFE. Music, movies and games all on demand.
   
   
2. Having previously flown BA and Qantas Business class and not been very impressed, I decided to try out Malaysian Airlines for my family's trip to the UK in October 2008. First good thing was the price. Four adult business class seats Sydney to London return were about $2500 cheaper for each ticket than the other major airlines. An immediate saving of $10,000. Preasigned seats at booking ensured my family were seated in the same row, 2 by 2 in the upstairs cabin on all flights. Check in was a breeze. After duty free shopping, headed to the lounge to chill before the flight. An oasis in Sydney Airport. Staff at the lounge were warm and friendly. Plenty of food and drink available and very comfortable surroundings. WIFI readily available in all the lounges at SYD, LHR and KLIA. Time to head off to board. First thing you notice is the absolutely genuine welcome by the FA's. Loved the seating. I especially liked the storgae bins by the window seat. Very handy to access things during the flight. The seats are very comfortable. I had heard reports of the sliding feeling with the angled lie seats but I quickly worked out, once you set the seat to sleep mode, you ensure the foot rest is up and then bring the leg rest toward you with the controls. That way you don't slip and are able to sleep quite comfortably. The preset massage button was used often. Very nice indeed especially before going to sleep. The IFE was fantastic.
   
   
3. Flew to KL/Penang with Malaysia Airlines. Good flight. Return flight 10 days later was also very good, but the landing was amazing. We were held up by fog over Auckland for awhile and when we finally landed it had to be the smoothest we have ever experienced. Great crew, entertaining Captain.

(more...)



Singapore Airlines

Passenger trip reports:

1. Tokyo bound flight on new A380 on Economy class row 37. In-flight entertainment system is loaded with goodies, manage to get some sleep for a couple of hours before arrival. Food was excellent, cabin service is efficient and friendly. Cabin staffs are very attentive and make sure everything is ok.Singapore bound flight on upper deck row 77. same high quality service received and even better food. Very good experience.
   
   
2. Singapore Airlines staff are their greatest asset followed by their fantastic AVOD system. Secured emergency exit seats on all but one sector. LHR-SIN on A380. Upper deck emergency exit seat in economy class. Just fantastic. Have flown business before and both classes onboard are very comfortable.
   
   
3. Outbound flight from FRA B777-300ER. Boarding was very efficient, hot towels given. No long queues at gate, other carriers should learn about this. Very clean cabin, good food, several drink rounds, AVOD KrisWorld excellent. Only minus was a flight attendant who served us with no smiles, and only few words. FA smiled only to few Singaporean passengers. SIN-SYD return with A380 upper deck. This is the way of flying in Y its best! Window seat with two abreast, ideal for couple, good legroom, seat a bit wider than in B777-300ER, extra storage bin under two windows. Excellent service, good food again, AVOD with hundreds of new movies and TV-series and bit older games. Silent aircraft and better for long flight than B777-300ER. SIN-FRA with B777-300ER was excellent too, everything handled efficiently with smiles, plenty of good food, free snacks on demand, drinks, plenty of room at emergency exit row 31 as there are no toilets ahead. We paid 2x50USD for exit seats. All in all very good economy product.

(more...)

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